I don't recall a Pontiac wheel with that large cap but I will check some old factory brochures. Those wheels look like they are going fast already! Seems appropriate they are going on the V8 car.
Unfortunately there is no room under the console to fit a cup holder - I already looked. There is a DL connector on the right and a small notch in the console subframe for the lighter to point downward on the left - but other than that - ZERO room. That's why I had to build the armrest on top of the console I'm building to accomodate the cup holder. Have you started a custom build?
Haven't started a custom console build yet. I was thinking maybe the cup holders from the Soltice/Sky but I guess not. Keep up the good work Pat.
------------------ When life gives you lemons, thank them for the Fiero.
I don't recall a Pontiac wheel with that large cap but I will check some old factory brochures. Those wheels look like they are going fast already! Seems appropriate they are going on the V8 car.
Well I searched the World Wide Web and could only find one center cap for the 96 Berreta Wheel. Maybe I wount use any caps. Get some nice chrome lug nuts and find a Pontiac center cap that will fit the center hole?
I could not find any that were approx 6"overall and 5-3/4" on the clips? Maybe I can find some through AC Delco? They will be spendy probably.
I wanted to try my hand at building a custom gauge pod face plate
Pat
WOW!!!! What can I say. That is really cool! Again... raising the bar! I love it! I wouldn't worry too much about the gaps between the PVC pipe and the trim panel - the space alows for extra play to reposition - nothing a little body filler and 10 hours of sanding can't cure, right? I'm really impressed.
I did have another idea - which you might hate me for... what do you think of this idea?
Why not create a second trim and plate piece similar to the one you're working for the gauge plate. This piece would mount directly behind the first trim piece but mounted to the dash? You could put anything in the trim piece - GPS, more gauges, clock, etc... I did a little measuring and it might work - it wouldn't interfere with the view out the windshield at all and should be level with the bottom of the windshield.
Just an idea...
Again the gauge panel is sweet! Beautiful work. OK, I gotta go back to the garage and start raising the bar!
[This message has been edited by Sofa King (edited 12-13-2009).]
I'm not feeling the arm rest on the console but I think I wll try and figure out how to use the cup holder.
P,
Look on EBay for an Audi or WV armrest / cup holder. I think those are wide enough and definately meet the low profile you're looking for. I went through 4 or 5 armrest / ideas before making the decision to fabricate my own. The Audi would have been perfect but it was a little pricey.
But I do like your idea of the cup holder. One cannot have enough cup holders. OH! If you don't want to fabricate an armrest also look for a 91 door panel cup holder from a Firebird / Trans Am. That would also work - and look stock!
Look on EBay for an Audi or WV armrest / cup holder. I think those are wide enough and definately meet the low profile you're looking for. I went through 4 or 5 armrest / ideas before making the decision to fabricate my own. The Audi would have been perfect but it was a little pricey.
But I do like your idea of the cup holder. One cannot have enough cup holders. OH! If you don't want to fabricate an armrest also look for a 91 door panel cup holder from a Firebird / Trans Am. That would also work - and look stock!
OK, back to work
I spent some time this morning looking at it the arm rest I picked up. I decided that the entire arm rest was too high and too narrow. I pulled the cup holder out and then sat ahd looked at it for an hour. I went out the the Fomula and set it in there and cam e to the conclusion that I did not like it. First I would have to mount it off center in a custom setup like yours becuase of the length of the cup holder extended. Even then it would still be close to the shifter in 4th gear - probably worse with a 6 spd. I can however, mount this cup holder on the passenger side under the dash for the passenger - I may adapt this one inot the XTC later on. So now I am back to the riginal plan. A smooth, clean, seamless console. I did some sadnind on the rear console and filled a few more small holes.
I also put the battery charger on the car today and fired it up for awhile. Found a huge vacuum leak - no wonder I could not get the timing and the carb adjusted right on it. The PO hag a Tee coming off the manifold and split to each valve cover/PVC. The hoses are covered with electrical sheathing. I found that the Tee was smaller than the hose and he had it taped up with electrical tape. Huge vac leak. Once I fixed that, she cleaned right up and was running great when I shut it off. I got called into work @ 1:00 so no more work on it today.
Then I put some "color" on the rear console. It amazes me how different colors show different flaws. After all I did this evening, I have a lot more to do. Lots of sanding still to go to get it the way I want it. My neighbor came over to see what I was doing and he was telling me that his brother does custom upholstery work. We got to talking and I think I will take the console to his brother tomorrow and see what he will charge me to cover it all in leather. All this work to make it smooth and now I'm thinking of covering it up....... I'm sick I tell ya...Fiero sick!
This is the color grey I want the console to be. It matches the lower half of the dash and the vinyl on the door panels.
And the console all together:
The console looks a lot darker than the gauge pod but I think it's due to the low light inthe shop. The gauge pod is refelcting the flash of the camera. Anyway, That's it till I decide whether or not to cover it with leather.
While I was "at work" this afternoon, between phone calls, I managed to get some work done on the gauge cluster. Installed all new 5w bulbs and cleaned it up. Starting this week, I will be reassembling the interior. Friday it gets a new windshield, Saturday the new tires and Barreta wheels and then I'll start driving it.
MAN O MAN! Fantastic. I wish I had used my original console when I started my build. The edges are nice and clean and straight. Very impressive. I'm really digging the new gauge panel. Have you considered draping it in carbon fiber? That would be very interesting.
So what's next? I know you're looking at the armrest right now. Any custom ideas coming our way?
Pat, aww come on....after all that hard work on it and then let someone else, a stranger no dought, work on your masterpiece!!
I say you have come this far with your new found talent, why not try the upholstery your self?!?!? JUST LIKE The SOFA KING is going to do You have some pretty straight forward angles, no really big curves.
I say, try it first on a scrap piece and see how you do! (p.s. don't get the glue on your hands ) OR maybe...go along with the process and take step by step pics for Sofa!
Pat, aww come on....after all that hard work on it and then let someone else, a stranger no dought, work on your masterpiece!!
I say you have come this far with your new found talent, why not try the upholstery your self?!?!? JUST LIKE The SOFA KING is going to do You have some pretty straight forward angles, no really big curves.
I say, try it first on a scrap piece and see how you do! (p.s. don't get the glue on your hands ) OR maybe...go along with the process and take step by step pics for Sofa!
we'll get him in the construction zone yet! not sure why he is not in there yet with ya Mr.King
AGREE!!! Thank you, Revin. I couldn't have said it better myself. LOL
Actually. I am very surprised. I'm not sure what the criteria is but Katatak, in my opinion, has certainly showed us his skills and attention to details - he makes me so angry! LOL
SF, Revin.....I hate you guys....lol Thanks for the positive feedback. OK, you win.....I think I'll give the leather covering a shot. I'll take Revins advice and try it on a scrap piece. I think I'll make a "scale" mock up of the rear console so I can get an idea of how the materail lays on the corners? I think it would be a cool touch to add some custom stitching/seams to the leather but I have no way to achieve that unless I have someone else do it for me. Maybe I'll keep the AC surround and the rear console painted dark grey and then cover the shifter console with black leather. hen make a custom leather arm rest pad for to set on the console. I think someone makes those rear console arm rest pad/cover things?
What about a couple little tweeters in the top of the rear console? Maybe another floor/interior light on each side of the AC surround? I'm already looking at LED options for the 3rd brake light. fiero1fan has a setup but it's a bit pricey - I think I can build my own for less. Another idea I have is a luminated 4spd emblem - comes on with the park lights? My son thinks I should paint the whole center console with some sort of "custom" paint job. Like a waving US flag or "real" flames, etc. I think that would take away from the "understated" look I'm going for but I kind of like the idea. I saw a car show the other night on HD Theatre that was showing the new Bentley. The whole headliner was loaded with little LED's. During the day, you could not see the LED's but when you turn on the lights, it looked like a "stary" night! That's a little too much for me though... I have an idea for a small painted on mural/embelm for the rear console. Again, following SF's lead on the Pontiac emblem, I envision a Pontiac emblem maybe 5 or 6 inches tall. In the center of it it is tearing open and behind it you can see a Blue Chevy Bow Tie - to go with the SBC in the car? Or just a emblem that looks like the one in my Avatar. An old school V8 emblem like on late 50's Pontiacs, Oldsmobiles and Buicks. There is just so much that can be doen but when is it too much?
I am seriously thinking of some kind of storage/glove box in the rear console. There is a ton of space in there due to no ECM for the SBC! Or, I am thinking of another rear console design that would "raise" the arm rest part a few inches - make it taller so I could build in a cup holder like SF did but keep the "stock" look and then make the rear part shallow - only an inch or so off the back firewall?
I don't even have this one done and I'm thinking of redoing part of it......... Of course all this experimenting and learning will carry over into the XTC interior project this summer so I can look at like it's "research" or "training"......lol.
Thanks again guys for your comments - and your needling- making me feel guilty for thinking about letting someone else touch my project..... Thanks a lot! Looks like I get to spend more time out in the shop now!
I was looking at new trucks and noticed something on their consoles...At the bottom near the carpet, they have a small "map pocket" next to the console ofr maybe it is built in. that would give you somewhere to put a map or paper. small enough to not hit your legs and moving the seats back and forth may be an issue depending on the size of the little pocket. Go stop by a truck dealer and take a look! you WILL want to add this --BOTH of ya'll ( maybe even me )
the tweeter thing sounds good! they have a rectangler one that would look sweet!
now about the leds..... look on ebay for strip lights. there are a new kind that is very small diode . not the big LED's. and they have two sided tape to mount it anywhere!! I think you can cut some of them in 3 segment pieces. When mine come in I will let ya know just how cool they are! http://motors.shop.ebay.com...907.m38.l1313&_rdc=1
SF, Revin.....I hate you guys....lol Thanks for the positive feedback. OK, you win.....I think I'll give the leather covering a shot.
Excellent! I'm going to use you as the guinea pig - LOL! All jokes aside, I think you made the right choice. I'll be right by your side - in spirit of course...
quote
Originally posted by katatak:
What about a couple little tweeters in the top of the rear console?
Check out Archie's Miura build. On page 9 or 10 they fabricated a center console with two little speakers - very sharp looking. This should give you the inspiration you're looking for.
quote
Originally posted by katatak:
My son thinks I should paint the whole center console with some sort of "custom" paint job... I think that would take away from the "understated" look I'm going for but I kind of like the idea.... I have an idea for a small painted on mural/embelm for the rear console... There is just so much that can be doen but when is it too much?
Would a custom paint job work with the Lunitec system? I have an idea... You know how I recessed my logo? What about an embossed Pontiac logo with the number 8 in the middle - similar to the old V8 logos? You would have to create them out of fiberglass or have them professionaly machined. That would be pretty sweet? And then of course counter sink it... LOL
When is it too much? I have no idea...
quote
Originally posted by katatak:
I am seriously thinking of some kind of storage/glove box in the rear console. There is a ton of space in there due to no ECM for the SBC! Or, I am thinking of another rear console design that would "raise" the arm rest part a few inches - make it taller so I could build in a cup holder like SF did but keep the "stock" look and then make the rear part shallow - only an inch or so off the back firewall?
You could make a lid that folds down and rests on the main console revealing cup holders and a HUGE storage bin? The holders could be as deep as you want since they would be hidden within the console? And there would still be room for speakers?
quote
Originally posted by katatak:
I don't even have this one done and I'm thinking of redoing part of it......... Of course all this experimenting and learning will carry over into the XTC interior project this summer so I can look at like it's "research" or "training"......lol.
Thanks again guys for your comments - and your needling- making me feel guilty for thinking about letting someone else touch my project..... Thanks a lot! Looks like I get to spend more time out in the shop now!
A little R&D never hurt anybody... I enjoy all the dust. That's the best part! And you're right, I'm already looking forward to working the door panels and I haven't even finished this project. You're doing fantastic work. Keep moving forward. I'm excited about your decision to tackle the upholstry - like I said, I'm with ya. And about the needling and guilt? We all must be married - we learned it somewhere! LOL
GET BACK TO WORK, YA BUM!
[This message has been edited by Sofa King (edited 12-14-2009).]
Well I went and paid a visit to the upholstery guy just to see if I could get an idea of what I was in for. Also had to see if I could get a deal on the material, etc. I took the rear console with me and we got to BSing about cars and things. Anyway, the owner siad that when I was ready, to bring everything down to his shop and he'd let me use his place to do the work - and Supervise to boot. So........ I may take him up on it but I'm still not sure I want to cover it. Here's why!
I put some color on the AC surround and the shifter console this afternoon and started mocking it up in the shop. I am really liking the smooth - plain - generic - whatever you want to call it - look. Maybe a few touchs to spark it up a bit like a nive round low profile shifter boot with a custom billet ring? Tweeters like Revin suggested on the rear console and a custom "logo" like SF's console?
I got to looking at it today and although I really like the idea of flipping down the back to reveal cup holders built into the lid, reality will not allow it. I'm a big guy and I need to hang over the console. With the cup holders there and with cups, cans or bottles in the cup holders, I would be constatnly banging it wih my forearem and elbow.
Mounted to the skeleton: After looking it over, I found some places that need attention. I do not like the way this area fits together. I'll have to do something to fix this: And from the side: With the dash:
Fighting the Red X - One post at a time! Use PIP or Die!
Pat
[This message has been edited by katatak (edited 12-14-2009).]
Well I went and paid a visit to the upholstery guy just to see if I could get an idea of what I was in for. Also had to see if I could get a deal on the material, etc. I took the rear console with me and we got to BSing about cars and things. Anyway, the owner siad that when I was ready, to bring everything down to his shop and he'd let me use his place to do the work - and Supervise to boot.
I think it wonderful that the local upholstry is going to give you access to to his shop! What a treat that would be!
quote
Originally posted by katatak:
I put some color on the AC surround and the shifter console this afternoon and started mocking it up in the shop. I am really liking the smooth - plain - generic - whatever you want to call it - look.
I think you can still achive the look your going for depending on how thick the material is you decide to you use. The stiching might create a little bump, but with enough pulling and very little padding, you should be able to get a nice tight look and feel - similar to the Lunitec paint. Definately work a sample piece and see how it looks. And take LOTS of pics!
quote
Originally posted by katatak:
I got to looking at it today and although I really like the idea of flipping down the back to reveal cup holders built into the lid, reality will not allow it. I'm a big guy and I need to hang over the console. With the cup holders there and with cups, cans or bottles in the cup holders, I would be constatnly banging it wih my forearem and elbow.
I came to the same realization. Although a flip down lid would be nice, your arm is going to hit the lid - not good. How about this idea? Since you're not going to use the ash trays why not extend the area right of the shifter to incorporate a dual cup holder? It would stick out a little into the passenger compartment and you would have to modify the "skeleton" underneath, but that's always a possibility? OR... A slide style lid - one that slides upward and tucks away into the colsole? Then you place the cup holder "inside" the console. You would be twisting alot, but they would be out of the way. The only set back - no custom emblem.
Like you said... where does it end? The console is looking very professional. I hate you LOL
I spent a few hours today sorting screws and getting all the brackets and things lined out to start installing the interior. I also put the dash back together, installed the AC duct work and the 2 AC end cover's. I was going to put 6X9's in the dash and fit the duct work around the speakers but a little birdie told me what I'm getting for Xmas (some Kenwood 4X10 and 4X6 speakers) so I will wait. The dash is ready to go back in the car.
I am at the point with the console where I need to get the skeleton in the car, mount the AC surround and the rear console so I can finish the shifter cover. When I had it setup on the bench, there were some areas that I did not like the look of the fit. If I were to finish it on the bench, I am sure it would not fit together right once in the car. Tommorow afternoon I will start putting the interior back in the car.
I did figure out how I will attach the shift console to the skeleton and I cut the hole for the shifter. Again, where the shift cover and the rear console come together looked bad so this evening I started building an inner lip on the shift cover. It will fit snuggly to the rear console and fill in the ugly gap that I have. The stock shift cover is screwed to the skeleton with 4 screws. I will use the same mounts for the new one but will also add two more at the rear - screwed to the rear console with some well nuts and screws. This resolves two issues. One is that the entire console will be more ridgid and secure and not depend solely on the weak ass skeleton to hold it all together and two: will eliminate any rattling and rubbing bewteen the shift console and the rear console. At least that's my theroy! When I got the shift cover screwed down, the fit at the AC console looked like caca too. Before I do any "adjusting", I will get it in the car to see what it looks like.
The shifter cover screwed down:
I cut a "template" out of thin ply to get the shape right before I cut a bunch of fiberglass:
Then transfered to a parts panel and cut it to fit:
Trimmed down and glued to the inside of the shift cover:
Test fitting:
I recessed the "flange" slightly so I can lay a few layers on the outside face for strength and "tie in". I think the corners of the shift cover need to be "rounded" more to match the AC surround and the rear console:
On the inside of the shift cover, I layed in some glass to strengthen the flange and tie it into the rest of the structure. Tommorow I will trim it up and then work the outside. Once I get the pieces in the car, I can give it a final adjustement for that perfect fit:
Pat
[This message has been edited by katatak (edited 12-16-2009).]
dam sofa! I don't know what is better the designs you make or the glassing!!! What program do you use? can you teach me???
I agree Revin! That is perfect. I am really liking the second pic. That is freaking awesome. I can barely use "paint"! I'll be working on a new project this afternoon.
I agree Revin! That is perfect. I am really liking the second pic. That is freaking awesome. I can barely use "paint"! I'll be working on a new project this afternoon.
Hey P,
Thanks, man! That's the ulitmate compliment. I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing the console! No work for me tonight. I'm fighting a bug and I'm freakin' wiped out! I'm struggling... just to... type... this message... that's how... devoted I am... to the... Fiero...
Anyway... are you going to look into having the logo made? I don't know what it would cost but I'm sure there is someone on the forum who knows AutoCad or an application that can create a 3D model for you to take to a machine shop -
HEY!!!! You might have just started a new business???? Even though I don't have a V8 - I'd take one!
One of the things I just noticed about the stock console is the unevenness about it - why it took so long is beyond me? There are three separate pieces with 5 different levels and angles. I've been looking at various pics of concept interiors, even stock ones, and all the consoles are all even - the same level. I understand why the Fiero designers designed it that way - so you had access to various parts of of the car. I'm going to fool around with some designs.
Please do not think I'm discrediting what you've done - NO WAY! I love the work you've done so far. I was just thinking how different / easier it would have been, for me, to design and work with something a little more straight forward. Does that make sense? Something like this...
That first pic is exaclty what I want! I just don't know how you could install it. It might need a split/seam in it somewhere but I like it. Can you say console project #2? I hate you....... Now I have something else to build.
I'm going to take a run at making that emblem myself. I have a few ideas and played around with it a little today. We'll see what I can come up with.
Pat
[This message has been edited by katatak (edited 12-16-2009).]
That poor Fiero on Mythbusters.....so sad! Anyway, here's what I did today.
Got my headliner in:
Got the skeleton in:
And the Dash:
And the rear console:
Mostly wanted to get the console pieces in to see how they fit together in the car. When he shift console cures, I will trim it up and see how it all fits together. Then the finish work starts.
That first pic is exaclty what I want! I just don't know how you could install it. It might need a split/seam in it somewhere but I like it. Can you say console project #2? I hate you....... Now I have something else to build.
I'm going to take a run at making that emblem myself. I have a few ideas and played around with it a little today. We'll see what I can come up with.
Pat
Hey P,
I'm with you. My next project will be to tackle the entire console, like you did, and redesign the entire shifter console assembly, armrest and radio console. I have some ideas floating around but I'm conflicted between doing something totally radical and staying with the stock look and feel of the original car. I'll figure it out eventually. I think you're right though. There would have to be a break someplace - either before the shifter or at the radio. I modified the pic just a bit that included an armrest, cubby next to the radio and adjusted the sides of the console due to the taper that armrest console has. I excluded the shifter, power window switchs and power mirror switch - don't know what your plan is for those yet.
Also, please post pics of you're tackling the emblem. I would really like to see how you're going to do this - not that I don't have faith - I DO! I just want to see what steps you're going to take. I'm assuming you'll be painting and detailing the emblem?
Stop reading and get back to work.
[This message has been edited by Sofa King (edited 12-17-2009).]
I'm with you. My next project will be to tackle the entire console, like you did, and redesign the entire shifter console assembly, armrest and radio console. I have some ideas floating around but I'm conflicted between doing something totally radical and staying with the stock look and feel of the original car. I'll figure it out eventually. I think you're right though. There would have to be a break someplace - either before the shifter or at the radio. I modified the pic just a bit that included an armrest, cubby next to the radio and adjusted the sides of the console due to the taper that armrest console has. I excluded the shifter, power window switchs and power mirror switch - don't know what your plan is for those yet.
Also, please post pics of you're tackling the emblem. I would really like to see how you're going to do this - not that I don't have faith - I DO! I just want to see what steps you're going to take. I'm assuming you'll be painting and detailing the emblem?
Stop reading and get back to work.
Greg, you've been busy. If I wait long enough, you will hit the perfect look......Although I think your last rendering is nearly there. One though is to maybe "slope" the AC surround some?
As soon as I start working the emblem, I'll post plenty of pics - even my fubar's (plannng on using your "foam" for some of it). Yes I plan on painting it. I am going to try my hand at the air brush thing next....I've always wanted to try it - now's the time.
Nothing accomplished today. I had planned on an afternoon of interior work but my boss made other plans for me. Maybe tomorrow!
The headliner looks fantastic! What material did you use? I want one! LOL
It's cheap fake vinyl fabric. Like a animal print with a little leather like embossing. It was ultra thin and ultr light and had good stretch. I bought it at the "Hobby Lobby" for 6.43 a yard..... It looks really good but it does not handle dust too well. I (like a big dummy) had it in the shop during all the fiberglass work and it had about an inch of dust on it. It was hearly dark when I put it in and I just wiped it down with a towel. When I looked at it this morning, it looks like caca..... It will clean up ok though - just more work!
You could make the white part the lid of the console... sorry third pic. or even the 2nd, maybe not as long..
Also I think the crank is in the wrong place on the engine
S, looks like black vinyl. crap you guys are out doing me again!
STOP MAKING ME STEP UP MY GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;p
Hey Revin,
Now I know why I could not get the rods to bolt up. I knew there was something not right about my crank install........lol.
I made up some new cuss words for the Fiero while I was installing that headliner. Even made my dog run off and hide under the deck...... I have 2 more of them things to do too!
Thanks!...... I wish I had got some more done today. I was hoping to drive it to the glass shop on Saturday for a new windshield. I might have to improvise and sit on a milk crate. I'll take pics if I do......
I like this look too but change the 389 to 350 or 383?
I know, I know - it's late and I should rest up so I can work on the car tommorow but I am still working......My boss can be a major league slave driver when he wants to be!
